The X-ray variability of the active galactic nuclei (AGN) has been most often investigated with studies of individual, nearby sources, and only a few ensemble analyses have been applied to large samples in wide ranges of luminosity and redshift. We aim to determine the ensemble variability properties of two serendipitously selected AGN samples extracted from the catalogues of XMM-Newton and Swift, with redshift between ~0.2 and ~4.5, and X-ray luminosities, in the 0.5-4.5keV band, between ~10^43^erg/s and ~10^46^erg/s. We used the structure function (SF), which operates in the time domain, and allows for an ensemble analysis even when only a few observations are available for individual sources and the power spectral density (PSD) cannot be derived. The SF is also more appropriate than fractional variability and excess variance, because these parameters are biased by the duration of the monitoring time interval in the rest-frame, and therefore by cosmological time dilation.
We investigate systematically the X-ray emission from type 1 quasars using a sample of 1825 Sloan Digital Sky Survey non-broad absorption line (non-BAL) quasars with Chandra archival observations. A significant correlation is found between the X-ray-to-optical power-law slope parameter ({alpha}_OX_) and the 2500{AA} monochromatic luminosity (L_2500{AA}_), and the X-ray weakness of a quasar is assessed via the deviation of its {alpha}_OX_ value from that expected from this relation. We demonstrate the existence of a population of non-BAL X-ray-weak quasars, and the fractions of quasars that are X-ray weak by factors of >=6 and >=10 are 5.8%+/-0.7% and 2.7%+/-0.5%, respectively. We classify X-ray-weak quasars (X-ray weak by factors of >=6) into three categories based on their optical spectral features: weak emission-line quasars (WLQs; CIV rest-frame equivalent width <16{AA}), red quasars ({Delta}(g-i)>0.2), and unclassified X-ray-weak quasars. The X-ray-weak fraction of 35_-9_^+12^% within the WLQ population is significantly higher than that within non-WLQs, confirming previous findings that WLQs represent one population of X-ray-weak quasars. The X-ray-weak fraction of 13_-3_^+5^% within the red quasar population is also considerably higher than that within the normal quasar population. The unclassified X-ray-weak quasars do not have unusual optical spectral features, and their X-ray weakness may be mainly related to quasar X-ray variability.
We present a catalog of RR Lyrae stars (RRLs) observed by the Xuyi Schmidt Telescope Photometric Survey (XSTPS). The area we consider is located in the north Galactic cap, covering ~376.75 deg^2^ at RA~150{deg} and DE~27{deg} down to a magnitude limit of i~19. Using the variability information afforded by the multi-epoch nature of our XSTPS data, combined with colors from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we are able to identify candidate RRLs. We find 318 candidates, derive distances to them, and estimate the detection efficiency. The majority of our candidates have more than 12 observations, and for these we are able to calculate periods. These also allow us to estimate our contamination level, which we predict is between 30% and 40%. Finally, we use the sample to probe the halo density profile in the 9-49 kpc range and find that it can be well fitted by a double power law. We find good agreement between this model and the models derived for the south Galactic cap using the Watkins et al. (2009, J/MNRAS/398/1757) and Sesar et al. (2010, J/ApJ/708/717) RRL data sets, after accounting for possible contamination in our data set from Sagittarius stream members. We consider non-spherical double power-law models of the halo density profile and again find agreement with literature data sets, although we have limited power to constrain the flattening due to our small survey area. Much tighter constraints will be placed by current and future wide-area surveys, most notably ESA's astrometric Gaia mission. Our analysis demonstrates that surveys with a limited number of epochs can effectively be mined for RRLs. Our complete sample is provided as accompanying online material; as an example the first few entries of each electronic table are shown in the text.
We present the second data release (DR2) of the XXL Survey, contextually with the appearance of a second A&A special issue dedicated to XXL. This intermediate release includes the following catalogues and data: The X-ray point source catalogue (3XLSS) and the associated multiwavelength catalogues in the XXL-N and XXL-s areas (XXL paper XXVII). The same paper also provides the list of XMM pointings used, and a supplementary catalogue of redshifts obtained with the AAOmega spectrograph in the XXL-S area. The XXL-365-GC galaxy cluster catalogue (XXL paper XX) with the complete subset of clusters for which the selection function is well determined plus all X-ray clusters which are, to date, spectroscopically confirmed. The ATCA 2.1 GHz radio source catalogue in the XXL-S area (XXL paper XXVIII), together with the catalogue of ther optical and near infrared counterparts (XXL paper XXVI). The GMRT 610 MHz radio source catalogue in the XXL-N area (XXL paper XXIX). FITS images of the XXL-North field: continuum radio mosaic from observations with the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 610MHz, and the corresponding noise map. A complete spectrophotometric sample of galaxies within X-ray detected, optically spectroscopically confirmed groups and clusters (G&C), including also field objects, in the XXL-N area (XXL paper XXII). The list of brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) in the XXL-N area (XXL paper XXVIII). FITS images of the two radio galaxies described in XXL paper XXXIV. ATCA XXL-S source classification data (XXL paper XXXVI) http://sci.esa.int/xmm-newton/60686-tracing-the-universe-x-ray-survey-\ supports-standard-cosmological-model/ List of XXL DR2 papers: XVI. The clustering of X-ray selected galaxy clusters at z~0.3 XVII. X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel'dovich properties of the redshift 2.0 galaxy cluster XLSSC 122 XVIII. ATCA 2.1 GHz radio source catalogue and source counts for the XXL-South field XIX. A realistic population of simulated X-ray AGN: Comparison of models with observations XX. The 365 cluster catalogue XXI. The environment and clustering of X-ray AGN in the XXL-South field XXII. The XXL-North spectrophotometric sample and galaxy stellar mass function in X-ray detected groups and clusters XXIII. The mass scale of XXL clusters from ensemble spectroscopy XXIV. The final detection pipeline XXV. Cosmological analysis of the C1 cluster number counts XXVI. Optical and near infrared identification of the ATCA 2.1 GHz radio sources in the XXL-S field XXVII. The 3XLSS point source catalogue XXVIII. Galaxy luminosity functions of the XXL-N clusters XXIX. GMRT 610 MHz continuum observations XXX. Characterisation of the XLSSsC N01 supercluster and analysis of the galaxy stellar populations XXXI. Classification and host galaxy properties of 2.1 GHz ATCA XXL-S radio sources XXXII. Spatial clustering of the XXL-S AGN XXXIII. Chandra constraints on the AGN contamination of z > 1 XXL galaxy clusters XXXIV. Double irony in XXL-North. A tale of two radio galaxies in a supercluster at z = 0.14 XXXV. The role of cluster mass in AGN activity XXXVI. Evolution and black hole feedback of high-excitation and low-excitation radio galaxies in XXL-S
The quest for the cosmological parameters that describe our universe continues to motivate the scientific community to undertake very large survey initiatives across the electromagnetic spectrum. Over the past two decades, the Chandra and XMM-Newton observatories have sup- ported numerous studies of X-ray-selected clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and the X-ray background. The present paper is the first in a series reporting results of the XXL-XMM survey; it comes at a time when the Planck mission results are being finalised. We present the XXL Survey, the largest XMM programme totaling some 6.9Ms to date and involving an international consortium of roughly 100 members. The XXL Survey covers two extragalactic areas of 25deg^2^ each at a point-source sensitivity of ~5x10^-15^erg/s/cm^2^ in the [0.5-2]keV band (completeness limit). The survey's main goals are to provide constraints on the dark energy equation of state from the space-time distribution of clusters of galaxies and to serve as a pathfinder for future, wide-area X-ray missions. We review science objectives, including cluster studies, AGN evolution, and large-scale structure, that are being conducted with the support of approximately 30 follow-up programmes. List of XXL papers: I. Scientific motivations - XMM-Newton observing plan - Follow-up observations and simulation programme. II. The bright cluster sample: catalogue and luminosity function. III. Luminosity-temperature relation of the bright cluster sample. IV. Mass-temperature relation of the bright cluster sample. VI. The 1000 brightest X-ray point sources. VII. A supercluster of galaxies at z = 0.43. VIII. MUSE characterisation of intracluster light in a z~0.53 cluster of galaxies. IX. Optical overdensity and radio continuum analysis of a supercluster at z=0.43. X. K-band luminosity - weak-lensing mass relation for groups and clusters of galaxies. XI. ATCA 2.1 GHz continuum observations. XII. Optical spectroscopy of X-ray-selected clusters and the frequency of AGN in superclusters. XIII. Baryon content of the bright cluster sample. XIV. AAOmega redshifts for the southern XXL field.
The SPM4 Catalog contains absolute proper motions, celestial
coordinates, and B,V photometry for 103,319,647 stars and galaxies
between the south celestial pole and -20 degrees declination. The
catalog is roughly complete to V=17.5. It is based on photographic and
CCD observations taken with the Yale Southern Observatory's
double-astrograph at Cesco Observatory in El Leoncito, Argentina.
The Swift satellite is a multi-wavelength observatory specifically designed for gamma-ray burst (GRB) astronomy that is operational since 2004. Swift is also a very flexible multi-purpose facility that supports a wide range of scientific fields such as active galactic nuclei, supernovae, cataclysmic variables, Galactic transients, active stars and comets. The Swift X-ray Telescope (XRT) has collected more than 150Ms of observations in its first seven years of operations. The purpose of this work is to present to the scientific community the list of all the X-ray point sources detected in XRT imaging data taken in photon counting mode during the first seven years of Swift operations. All these point-like sources, excluding the Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB), will be stored in a catalog publicly available (1SWXRT). We consider all the XRT observations with exposure time longer than 500 s taken in the period 2005-2011. Data were reduced and analyzed with standard techniques and a list of detected sources for each observation was produced. A careful visual inspection was performed to remove extended, spurious and piled-up sources. Finally, positions, count rates, fluxes and the corresponding uncertainties were computed.
The yellow supergiant (F- and G-type) content of nearby galaxies can provide a critical test of stellar evolution theory, bridging the gap between the hot, massive stars and the cool red supergiants. But, this region of the color-magnitude diagram is dominated by foreground contamination, requiring membership to somehow be determined. Fortunately, the large negative systemic velocity of M31, coupled to its high rotation rate, provides the means for separating the contaminating foreground dwarfs from the bona fide yellow supergiants within M31. We obtained radial velocities of ~2900 individual targets within the correct color-magnitude range corresponding to masses of 12M_{sun}_ and higher. A comparison of these velocities to those expected from M31's rotation curve reveals 54 rank-1 (near certain) and 66 rank-2 (probable) yellow supergiant members, indicating a foreground contamination >=96%. We expect some modest contamination from Milky Way halo giants among the remainder, particularly for the rank-2 candidates, and indeed follow-up spectroscopy of a small sample eliminates four rank 2's while confirming five others.
Given the potential of ensemble asteroseismology for understanding fundamental properties of large numbers of stars, it is critical to determine the accuracy of the scaling relations on which these measurements are based. From several powerful validation techniques, all indications so far show that stellar radius estimates from the asteroseismic scaling relations are accurate to within a few percent. Eclipsing binary systems hosting at least one star with detectable solar-like oscillations constitute the ideal test objects for validating asteroseismic radius and mass inferences. By combining radial velocity (RV) measurements and photometric time series of eclipses, it is possible to determine the masses and radii of each component of a double-lined spectroscopic binary. We report the results of a four-year RV survey performed with the echelle spectrometer of the Astrophysical Research Consortium's 3.5m telescope and the APOGEE spectrometer at Apache Point Observatory. We compare the masses and radii of 10 red giants (RGs) obtained by combining radial velocities and eclipse photometry with the estimates from the asteroseismic scaling relations. We find that the asteroseismic scaling relations overestimate RG radii by about 5% on average and masses by about 15% for stars at various stages of RG evolution. Systematic overestimation of mass leads to underestimation of stellar age, which can have important implications for ensemble asteroseismology used for Galactic studies. As part of a second objective, where asteroseismology is used for understanding binary systems, we confirm that oscillations of RGs in close binaries can be suppressed enough to be undetectable, a hypothesis that was proposed in a previous work.
We present Spitzer Space Telescope IRAC and MIPS observations of a 0.85deg^2^ field including the Corona Australis (CrA) star-forming region. At a distance of 130pc, CrA is one of the closest regions known to be actively forming stars, particularly within its embedded association, the Coronet. Using the Spitzer data, we identify 51 young stellar objects (YSOs) in CrA which include sources in the well-studied Coronet cluster as well as sources distributed throughout the molecular cloud. Twelve of the YSOs discussed are new candidates, one of which is located in the Coronet. Known YSOs retrieved from the literature are also added to the list, and a total of 116 candidate YSOs in CrA are compiled. A clustering analysis was also performed, finding that the main cluster core, consisting of 68 members, is elongated (having an aspect ratio of 2.36), with a circular radius of 0.59pc and mean surface density of 150pc^-2^. In addition, we analyze outflows and jets in CrA by means of new CO and H2 data. We present 1.3mm interferometric continuum observations made with the Submillimeter Array (SMA) covering R CrA, IRS 5, IRS 7, and IRAS 18595-3712 (IRAS 32).
![To the extent possible under law, the publisher has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to PPMXL. For details, see the `Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain dedication <http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/>`_. Of course, you should still give proper credit when using this data as required by good scientific practice. .. image:: /static/img/cc0.png :alt: [CC0]](/registry-search/?f%5Brights_facet%5D%5B%5D=To+the+extent+possible+under+law%2C+the+publisher+has+waived+all+copyright+and+related+or+neighboring+rights+to+PPMXL.++For+details%2C+see+the+%60Creative+Commons+CC0+1.0+Public+Domain+dedication+%3Chttp%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Fpublicdomain%2Fzero%2F1.0%2F%3E%60_.++Of+course%2C+you+should+still+give+proper+credit+when+using+this+data+as+required+by+good+scientific+practice.%0A%0A..+image%3A%3A+%2Fstatic%2Fimg%2Fcc0.png%0A+++%3Aalt%3A+%5BCC0%5D%0A%0A&f%5Bsubject_facet_lc%5D%5B%5D=surveys){kind=link}